After 9 months of vengeful and unrelenting pursuit of a conviction by the Cook County (Illinois) State’s Attorney and the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago (EHSC), videographer Gregory Koger was found guilty today of trespass, resisting a police officer, and battery for the "crime" of videotaping a brief but newsworthy statement by Sunsara Taylor at the EHSC. Gregory was maced and brutalized during the arrest, and this was acknowledged by police at trial, yet he was the one charged and now found guilty.

The courtroom was continually packed with supporters of Gregory who were stunned and outraged by the verdict. Then the judge furthered this shameful persecution by upholding the prosecutor’s demand that bond be revoked immediately. Gregory was taken directly from the courtroom to the Cook County Jail until sentencing on September 8. He could be sentenced to up to 3 years in jail.

Gregory’s lawyer, Scott Frankel said, "I am unbelievably disappointed with the verdict and I know we will appeal. Gregory is a fine man and does not deserve this. I was stunned by the Court's decision to revoke Gregory's bond." A motion for an order to reinstate Gregory’s bond will be filed immediately.

Supporters went straight from the suburban courthouse to the jail to protest and demand "Hands Off Gregory". This was really welcomed by people coming in and out of the jail, by people driving by, and most of all, by prisoners in the windows and in the yard as the protesters chanted, "Videotaping is not a crime, Gregory Koger should not do time, Free Gregory Koger!" and "No Justice, No Peace, No Brutalizing Police!" and "Gregory Koger: Watch His Back!"

WE DENOUNCE THIS OUTRAGEOUS VERDICT!

WE DEMAND REINSTATEMENT of BOND
and GREGORY’S IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM JAIL!

FREE GREGORY KOGER! NO JAIL TIME!

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

* Send this newsflash to everyone you know. Use Twitter, Facebook, use the listservs you are on to get this out everywhere

* Immediately send statements of support for Gregory to the defense committee (AdHoc4Reason (at) gmail.com)

* Donate money for the appeal. Go to the defense committee website for more information (www.dropthecharges.net)

* Show your support at the sentencing hearing on September 8.

* More information will be coming; keep in touch with the Ad Hoc Committee at AdHoc4Reason (at) gmail.com

FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF GREGORY KOGER